Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper)

Architectural, Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper) is a slow-growing, narrow to broadly pyramidal evergreen conifer with aromatic, blue-green to dark green, scale-like foliage that lies flat against the branches. The reddish-brown bark is furrowed into strips or squares and peels on the branches. The tree bears round, fleshy, dark-blue, berry-like cones, covered with a white, waxy bloom. Many wildlife species feast on juniper berries. Excellent for wildlife gardens, this conifer provides good nesting, cover, and seeds for small mammals. It also attracts Cedar Waxwings, Northern Mockingbird, Evening Grosbeak, and many other species. Rocky Mountain Juniper is a graceful ornamental and is ideal for providing a year-round structure. It is useful as a privacy screen or specimen and is also a popular collected tree for bonsai. Drought, salt spray, erosion, and air pollution tolerant, it does not perform well in wet soils, high humidity, or high night temperatures. It is also intolerant to ice. Native to western North America, Rocky Mountain Juniper is long-lived (250-300 years) and is the parent of many garden cultivars.

• Grows up to 30-40 ft. tall (9-12 m) and 3-15 ft. wide (1-4.5 m).
• Performs best in full sun in any, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils including dry, rocky soils.
• Perfect as a specimen plant or for city gardens since Rocky Mountain Juniper is tolerant of pollution.
• Low maintenance, no pruning required.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, juniper scale, and caterpillars. Deer tolerant.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings.
• Foliage may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Native to western North America, from southwest Canada to the Great Plains of the United States.